Good morning, Brighton. Another hot one on the cards today. We’ve lost 1hr 4mins daylight since the 21st June so let’s not complain too much and get out early and enjoy the sunshine whilst it’s here.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

❤️ Romance hit the decks at On The Beach this weekend when a couple got engaged mid-crowd during Madness's Madrophenia show at Madeira Drive. With thousands witnessing the moment (view video) and the legendary band playing behind them, she said yes—cue the eruption! Madness brought their two-night residency (July 23–24) with stellar support from The Blockheads, The Selecter, and others. Friday's show sold out.

The festival itself had a stellar year: 40 acts across eight shows, earning Best Location at the Skiddle Awards 2026. Since launching in 2021, On The Beach has become essential Brighton summer fare, hosting icons like Fatboy Slim, Chase & Status, and The Libertines. Not bad for a beachfront bash.

🤣 Brighton Dome Comedy Festival returns October 16–25, now partnering with Komedia for a bumper 10-day programme. Highlights include All My Friends indie disco—a Brighton debut featuring podcasters Elis James, John Robins and Dave Masterman DJing together for the first time in two years. Comedy heavyweights Simon Amstell and Jimeoin join the roster, alongside Lara Ricote and BBC New Comedy Award winner Dan Tiernan.

Cult cartoonists Modern Toss exhibit throughout the festival. Family-friendly options abound: Shelf's Kids Show 2, Comedy Club 4 Kids, and Live at Brighton Dome BLEEPED (ages 11+).

Komedia adds Kim Blythe's sold-out Puzzle, Joe Wilkinson's fundraiser Raising the Roof, and the Bye sisters' surreal Dreamweavers. Something for every comedy appetite.

🚌 Brighton & Hove's Park & Ride service returns from July 25, offering weary drivers a hassle-free escape from city-centre parking nightmares. Park at the University of Sussex campus in Falmer, then hop on the frequent number 25 bus (every 12 minutes peak times) straight to the city centre.

It's brilliantly affordable: just £6.50 per vehicle for up to five adults, unlimited children. Operating 9am–9pm on select summer weekends and bank holidays through August, it's perfect for seafront trips, shopping sprees, and restaurant adventures. Payment via PayByPhone keeps things simple. After last year's successful trial, the council's back with this stress-busting service—less circling for spaces, more time enjoying Brighton's summer buzz. Win-win for visitors and locals alike. Full Park & Ride dates & details.

🏆 Seven student-led startups from the University of Sussex shared £24,000 in prizes at this year's Momentum Incubator pitch day. Three ventures scooped £5,000 each: Jazzcat (Felix Craven), a jazz ticketing and community platform; Borrowed Earth Collective (Emma Hynes and Beth Nayar), a circular economy communications agency; and Compost It (Husain Alogaily), tackling food waste logistics.

Four runners-up also claimed awards, including Plastic For Change, SEEN (supporting opioid-affected families), UnEarth (environmental product scanner), and TEAch (rural Sri Lankan education app). The Momentum Incubator—backed by Santander Universities and a Sussex alumnus donation—supports up to 30 participants annually with mentoring, workshops, and funding. Judge Nigel Lambe praised the calibre, reminding unsuccessful pitchers: entrepreneurs keep going regardless. Read full details on winning ventures.

☀️ | 📈 26° | 📉 17° | ☔️ <5% | 🌬️ S 7mph | 🌊 <1ft

☀️ | 📈 23° | 📉 15° | ☔️ <5% | 🌬️ SW 16mph | 🌊 <1ft

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Cinema’s aren’t going to fill themselves. Break a habit of a lifetime, turn off Netflix, get off the sofa and potter down to your local (cinema).

Duke of York’s Picturehouse - Book

The Odyssey | Spider-Man: Brand New Day | Tour of The Duke of Yorks

Dukes at Komedia - Book

Spider-Man: Brand New Day | Brunello: The Gracious Visionary | The Odyssey | Bluey At The Cinema: Playdates with Friends |

🎈 Family friendly events

Great to have you follow the Scoop today. If you liked it, do share us with a friend. There’s a coffee on me if you spot me in town.